Darren Fletcher believes Jonny Evans will prove to be a top signing for West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion captain Darren Fletcher hails Jonny Evans as a fantastic signing for the Baggies

Jonny Evans was touted to become one of the greats when he made his breakthrough for Manchester United during the 2008/09 season but the defender’s career did not pan out the way many had expected.

While Evans did go on to make nearly 200 appearances for United, he never managed to win over the club faithful and following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Northern Irishman endured a downward spiral at Old Trafford.

Evans was not fancied by Louis van Gaal and following a season largely on the sidelines, the defender was duly offloaded this summer to West Bromwich Albion for a fee believed to be in the region of around £8million.

The unceremonious exit from his boyhood club would most certainly have hurt Evans but a move to West Brom hands the defender a chance to start on a clean slate.

Evans has certainly started life at the Hawthorns in promising fashion after helping the Baggies to two consecutive clean sheets and it is clear to see that the Northern Irish international has had a positive impact at the Hawthorns so far.

West Bromwich Albion captain Darren Fletcher is more than aware about Evans’ abilities after having worked closely with the defender during their time together at Manchester United.

As a result, Fletcher was delighted to see Evans arriving at the Hawthorns this summer and the midfielder has now gone on to hail the 27-year old as a fantastic signing for the Baggies.

Speaking to reporters, Fletcher said about Evans, “Jonny is a fantastic signing. I spoke about it when he came and I was so excited when he signed.

“He’s a top player. A great leader and a good talker and I think it’s a fantastic signing for the Albion and he’s going to be a mainstay in that defence for a number of years and it’s no coincidence that (clean sheets) and there’s more to come as well.

“He’s a great lad and I can’t speak highly enough of him. I knew we were getting a top, top player – one of the best defenders I’ve ever played with at Manchester United and now here.”

Evans may have been ostracized from Manchester United but West Bromwich Albion seems to be the right club for him and the defender can most certainly flourish again under the tutelage of Tony Pulis.